Fish oil works in different ways depending on whether you consume it through food or supplements, how you prepare the food and the condition you're treating. If you get fish oil from eating fish, broiled or baked fish can reduce heart disease risk, but fried fish can increase it. If you take supplements for a medical condition, fish oil has better results for some conditions than for others. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are the source of potential health benefits.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for health, but the only way to get them is by eating foods or by taking supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids because the body does not produce them. Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are to reduce swelling and pain and to prevent blood clots, which is why they are helpful in preventing heart disease. Another benefit of fish oil is to reduce triglyceride levels by 20 percent to 50 percent, according to Medline Plus. High triglycerides can lead to diabetes and heart disease. Fish oil can also help people who already have heart disease by lowering the risk of death. Some researchers believe that fish oil may be more effective than statin drugs for treating heart disease.
How Much to Take
Fish oil can work beneficially for you only if you take the proper amount, which is 3 g or less per day. Most people can take this amount of fish oil, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, according to Medline Plus. In fact, because omega-3 fatty acids concentrate in the brain, infants who do not receive enough of them are more likely to develop nerve and vision problems.
Side effects from taking fish oil could include bad breath, belching, nausea, heartburn, rash, loose stools and nosebleeds. You may be able to reduce side effects by taking supplements with meals or by freezing them first. If you take too much fish oil, more than 3 g a day, you may increase your chances of bleeding, because too much fish oil can prevent your blood from clotting. Too much fish oil may also reduce your body's ability to fight infections, which is an important consideration for elderly people and people with compromised immune systems.
Interactions
Fish oil works by sometimes interacting with other drugs you may be taking, so if you take medications, discuss this with your doctor before taking fish oil. All drugs count: prescription medication, vitamins, herbs and over-the-counter drugs. If you are already taking fish oil, consult with your doctor before beginning any new drug. Seek medical help if you have a bad reaction to fish oil such as fever, chills, chest pain, uneven heartbeat, difficulty breathing, hives and swelling -- especially on your face, throat, tongue and lips.
More About the Heart
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which appear to have a distinctive ability to stabilize heart arrhythmias, according to the "Nutrition Action Healthletter." William Harris of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine told the "Healthletter" that the omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil "become part of the heart's muscle," stopping a fatal arrhythmia. Harris said that if heart patients don't eat fish regularly, they should consult with their doctor about taking fish oil supplements. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, sturgeon, bluefish, anchovy, trout, herring and sardines contain the beneficial fish oil.
Other Possible Benefits
Fish oil is possibly effective for rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Raynaud's syndrome and stroke, according to Medline. Regarding stroke, eating fish once or twice a week can lower the risk of stroke unless you already take aspirin for this reason. On the other hand, eating a large amount of fish, 46 g per day, can double your stroke risk.
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